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Sexual Adverse Effects of Urology Drugs Studied

Data from 2 studies evaluating sexual function in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as well as post bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy was presented at the 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).

One study (N=423) consisted of a randomized, 9-month, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled trial in men <68 years old with normal pre-operative erectile function. Patients were randomized to receive Tadalafil 5mg daily, Tadalafil 20mg on demand, or placebo followed by 6-week drug-free washout and 3-month open-label once daily treatment.

Results showed that greater erectile function was retained with Tadalafil at the end of the 9-month double-blind treatment. Male patients who took Tadalafil 5mg once daily had improved erectile function than those taking 20mg on demand or nothing at all. Also, at Month 9, penile length loss was significantly reduced vs. placebo in the Tadalafil once daily group only (LS mean difference 4.1mm; 95% CI: 0.4–7.8; P=0.032).

A second study looked at the effects of Doxazosin and Finasteride on male sexual function. Researchers analyzed data from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, Medical Therapy for Prostatic Symptoms, where more than 2,780 men were evaluated for changes in sexual function assessed by Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory.

Results showed that men taking Finasteride experienced significant worsening of ejaculatory function than those who were not. Men taking both Doxazosin and Finasteride also experienced significant worsening in erectile function and sexual problem assessment. Also, there were no significant changes in any of the BMSFI domains when men assigned to Doxazosin were compared to the placebo group.